Tears on Grey Cement

An Israeli high school student falls victim to Arab terror. Her schoolmate recounts how.

Elizabeth Katzman was born in the USSR 17 years ago. She immigrated to Israel at age 5. Her Hebrew was fluent, her accent untraceable. She had snow white skin, pink cheeks, and coal black hair. Liz, as her friends called her, was affectionately known as Snow White.

I didn't know Liz very well, but there was hardly anyone in our high school in Haifa who didn't know her name or didn't recognize her face. Always well-mannered and hospitable, when passing me by, she would smile, say hi, and call me by my first name even though we were hardly acquainted.

Liz studied theater and media and was known for her talents. She hosted and co-edited the school's show on local television. In three weeks, she was scheduled to star in the school's theatrical production, "Best of Friends." Rehearsals were going well.

Last Wednesday, after school, Liz and her best friend went downtown to do some shopping and check on costumes for the play. After that the girls took a bus to the upper town center, and from there boarded a bus home.

On the same Wednesday, a 21-year-old Palestinian, a student in the Hebron Poly-Technical university, arrived to the upper town center of Haifa. He had been out of touch with his family for three days now. His body carried more than 50 kg of explosives packed with nails, nuts and metal specks. Plus a suicide note proclaiming the victory of Islam over America and Israel on Sept. 11.

At about 2 p.m., he boards an Israeli bus. Previous suicide bombers have been tense and excited, fearing they will be caught, and exploded within seconds of boarding the bus. This time, the terrorist is sure of himself. He wears nice clothes, and blends well, in this upper-middle class neighborhood.

The terrorist stays cool. The bus is half empty, so he waits for several minutes, passing a few stops, so that more people will come on.

Bus #37 heads toward Haifa University, a university with a high number of Arab students, with an active Arab Student Union and representation. Haifa is a "stronghold" of Jewish-Arab co-existence in Israel. It is the third largest city in Israel and has a large Arab population, with Arabs in key positions in the local government.

The terrorist stays cool. The bus is half empty, so he waits for several minutes, passing a few stops, so that more people will come on. He slowly approaches the middle of the bus, toward a group of children and teenagers. He wants them all to die.

A quarter past two

My physics class has just ended and my dad is supposed to pick me up and drive me to a dentist appointment. It was rescheduled several times, and by now I have a rather large cavity.

Many schoolchildren are on their way home. I watch the cars pass by. A police car suddenly speeds up.

Then the school guard (we have armed guards on every entry to school, as required by law, since terrorists have targeted schools) approaches me.

"What are you waiting for?" he asks.

I think I might look suspicious with my heavy coat and large school bag.

"My dad is about to pick me up," I answer.

"There has just been a suicide bomb," he informs me. "Just uptown, here in Haifa."

Haifa is a northern city, relatively far from the “green line.” Yet we have seen many deadly terror attacks, and several others have been prevented by the police. It's been almost a year since the last terror attack in Haifa, in a co-owned Israeli-Arab restaurant near the largest shopping mall in the Mideast. My math teacher lost her entire close family, and was very seriously injured. She never returned to teach.

Since we're a mixed Jewish-Arab city, people think we're safe. We try not to break the fragile co-existence.

Yet people here think we're safe. Especially since we're a mixed city. There have been Arabs among the victims here, and Arabs among the medical staff. People try not to break the already fragile co-existence here.

But now I'm in shock. Most of my school friends either live up-town or take buses there. They should be on their way home just about now.

"I don't know much," the guard says. "I have a small radio, but I'm officially not allowed to listen to it on the job. If you come, I can turn it on for you, and I'll listen in." We go to his small shack, and he turns on the radio.

“This just in: a terror attack in Haifa, on Moriah Street. A bus has exploded… the roof has flown off… it's on fire… Rescue teams are struggling through high-noon traffic…"

I try to call my family to tell them I'm fine. The network is dead. There's a cellular antenna on every street corner, but the networks overload easily.

Also, the cellular networks initiate a cut-off when there is an attack. Several times terrorists have used cell phones as triggers for second-wave blasts. They'd leave a bomb connected to a cell phone, and then five minutes after the first blast, when rescue forces arrived, they'd call the cell phone and detonate another powerful bomb, killing the survivors and rescue teams.

Suddenly, a car pulls up and my classmate's father gets out. "Where's my son?" he demands. "When did he finish school? Does anybody know?"

We don't know. Another classmate passes by. "Eric went home much earlier," she calms down the worried father. "He ought to be home already.”

I decline an offer for a ride. I hope my father will pick me up -- as he does minutes later. "I couldn't reach you, so I just came to take you home," he says.

I think about all the people I know who could be hurt. Eli went home an hour early, since a water pipe in his house burst. He could have somehow ended up on that bus, though it's unlikely. Can't reach him now.

David could have been on that bus. When I call, his mother answers in a frightened voice.

David could be on that bus. Could have had business at the university or uptown. I call him as soon as I get home. His mother answers in a frightened voice.

"Is David there?" I ask.

"No, he isn't home. Who is this?" She hopes I know something about his whereabouts.

"A friend of his. I'll call again,” thinking that it's better to keep the line free for him to call home.

My girl friend calls. She's gone for training by the IDF for the week. It's a mental preparation for boot camp that people can take in school. It's supposed to prepare you for your real service.

"Are you ok?" she asks. "They let us watch TV and use phones since we're from Haifa"

"I'm ok. My family too. How are you?"

"I'm fine. Lucky my brother is in the IDF and my mother is on a vacation in Eilat".

My grandma returns home. She is shocked to hear the news. "I took that bus route an hour before it blew up! And your 7-year-old twin cousins took it half an hour before that, from school.”

I watch the news. The explosive charge was huge this time. The bus is in ruins. I keep posting news to online forums, keeping in touch with my friends. Managed to reach Eli and David, they're safe.

I connect to the internet. The ICQ messaging system is filled with people demanding information. Chain letters pass with the speed of light. "Amit has not been seen or heard since the terror act. If anyone has seen him, please contact his home. His parents are worried sick.”

After a while, a message comes through: "Amit is safe. Pass on." Wheew.

But alas, this is the only good message.

Several friends from other schools inform me that their friends are missing. I never knew well how to comfort people, but now I'm needed.

"My best friend Liz has not come home," my friend Roni writes.

"Liz?" I ask. I have a bad memory for names.

"You know, the pale girl with long black hair."

"Couldn't she just be injured?" I suggest, knowing it's a false hope.

"No. Her parents called all the hospitals. She's either missing, or dead. I don't know what to do. My best friend is gone.”

How can I reply to that?

Black Bold Print

Our school walls are gray cement. It was popular for some reason when the school was built, but now it's considered ugly, and rightfully so, but paint won't catch on the naked cement walls.

Today the walls are grayer than ever.

When I arrive at school, only half our class is there. The 17-year-olds are sitting in absolute silence. It's very dark and gloomy, while outside the sun is shining. I see the shock in people's eyes, even when they're closed.

A TV breaks the silence. Someone hands out the morning paper. People begin telling their experiences. Someone knows several people who were killed. Someone was near the blast. Someone ran and began rescuing people. The unspeakable horrors make him burst into tears… again.

The principal announces that he has spoken to Liz's parents. She is confirmed among the dead. Soon we will convene for a ceremony. Those who knew Liz well stay outside and cry. Those who didn't, try to avoid talking about it directly and return to their classrooms.

The ceremony starts with texts being read by teachers and her friends. Liz's picture is hanging on the wall. A picture taken three years ago when she was admitted to school. Alongside is her name in black bold square print -- the kind used in obituary notices. And candles. (One gets used to memorial candles in Israel.)

The speakers talk about Liz. Say goodbye. Say prayers for her soul. Say prayers for peace. Someone sings a song he has just written and composed for her. It's difficult to see students cry. It's even more difficult to see your teachers and school board weep.

I manage to avoid breaking out into tears. I'm not sure why. I feel perhaps that I have no right to cry, since I didn't know Liz that well.

The perfect weather outside quickly becomes a perfect raging storm. I want to go to the place of the suicide bombing, but I can't get a ride. And it rains terribly. I catch a ride home and sleep for most of the day.

I watch the late night news to see Liz's picture among the victims. They misspelled her name, got her age wrong, and chose a really bad picture, for such a pretty girl. I go back to sleep.

And the skies wept

The next day, we try to resume our studies. No teacher dares to demand discipline or keep records of students coming and going. How can you make a person torn up inside sit down in a classroom? In a classroom with Liz's chair, now forever empty... We board the buses to Liz's funeral. I still can't believe she is dead. The whole school attends. And students from other schools. Former pupils leave their army posts. Representatives of the government arrive. Why don't they ever come to share joy? Only anguish.

Then Liz's family arrives. I can't face watching their pain. I turn around, then walk away. They remind me of my own relatives too much. It's awful to see parents mourn over a child.

Liz's sister reads a eulogy. Then her drama teacher. Then her best friend. Their words tear one's heart like sharp razors, and you feel you're about to cry blood onto your shirt. Out of all people, the most lively, innocent and talented girl, was taken from this world by a cruel murderer.

Her body, hardly recognizable, with no more human-like contours, is not in a condition to be wrapped in shrouds.

As the rabbi chants songs of mourning, Liz's casket is moved to a special area of the cemetery dedicated to terror victims. Usually, a dead body is wrapped in a shroud, and buried that way. Not Liz. Her body, hardly recognizable, with no more human-like contours, is not in a condition to be wrapped this way. This time, they use a casket.

A crowd of several hundred, trembling from grief, stand in absolute silence. The prayers are said and then, orderly, one by one, people pass by her grave, and place a flower, a picture, or a rock where her body was lowered just minutes ago. The Israelis stand quietly under a burning sun, wearing black, in silence, and wait patiently for their turn. The only place an Israeli won't cut in line is a cemetery, as cynical as it may be.

As I near her grave, it still feels like I'm dreaming. I look at her picture and it seems like a weird parade. I just knew her name and image. I came because I wish I'd gotten to know her better. I came to return a favor, for the time she smiled at me and called my name, and made me feel great for that split second.

I place a rock on her grave, and it falls somewhere behind the flowers. As I begin to walk away, I stumble onto a grave with a familiar name. It is the daughter of my math teacher, killed one year ago. I sigh and put another stone on her grave.

So many victims. So many freshly dug holes. Covered with freshly picked flowers.

As I exit, I suddenly feel a wet drop. It rains, but not aggressively like the day before. The sun hid its tearing eyes behind a cloud. The rain caresses our heads, gently, lovingly, in sympathy.

As I step in the wet mud, with the skies crying over my head, I think of the girl we left behind, all alone in the cold earth, in a casket and a body bag. I think I left more than a stone with her. I still expect this whole event to end, and then she will appear again. She's so real and so alive. And her smile is so wide and so healing.

Featured at Aish.com:

About the Author

Vadim Sirotnikov was born in 1984, in Harkov, Ukraine. He made Aliyah to Israel at the age of 6, and has lived in Haifa ever since. He was the editor, designer and founder of his school students' paper and for the last several years has been participating in online forums trying to improve Israel's image, explain it's policies and correct the anti-Israeli media bias.

Visitor Comments: 33

(33)
Alan Runfeldt,
June 9, 2003 12:00 AM

I was touched by your story.

Vadim -

I have nothing to add, only condolences to share. I live in a quiet, safe rural area of New Jersey, in the USA. Even with the events of 9/11 and all the reactions to it, I still feel the peace and security of life in this uncontested place.

But it was not always so. When I was 20, I spent a year in Vietnam, flying between the dangers of the city and the dangers of the jungle. Frankly, I felt safer in the jungle, where we knew we were always in danger. In the city, it was easy to feel less at risk, but that was a false security; Vietcong terrorists bombed US military hangouts regularly. But we were soldiers, and even that was expected - or at least understandable.

But what you and your friends face is something beyond comprehension, and quite frightening to consider.

In your case, the most innocent people are the victims of this war. This should not be and hopefully will end soon.

The only hope I can offer is that wars do eventually end. My father and grandfather fought in WWI & WWII, I fought in Vietnam. My cousin went to the first Gulf War.

The people we fought against can now be our friends. I just pray that when this war is over, your people - and the Palistinian people who are also suffering from it - will be able to find a way to a lasting peace.

When that time comes, your story of Liz, and how - and why - she died, will be a valuable, although possibly incomprehensible lesson to your children - and to Arab children as well, so that such stupid wasting of lives can be prevented in the future.

The story is also important today. I hope it reaches someone who will decide NOT to follow the path of suicide bomber. If your story stops one Palestinian youth from following such a path as this, it will save many lives.

Thank you for writing it.

Alan
http://NoDeadlines.com/vietnam

(32)
Charlie Nichols,
April 21, 2003 12:00 AM

Powerful Article, Reprint?

I publish a small non-profit website here in Austin, Texas, USA dedicated to Gratitude and Giving, www.InGratia.org. We publish stories of heros and inspiration, and then make related charities available for the readers to donate to.

I wonder if you would be willing to have your article re-published on InGratia.org? I would like to spread this story and have it be remembered by the people that come to my site. You could also recommend charities for reader's donations. Any larger or varied pictures would be welcomed as well.
Thank you!
Charlie@InGratia.org
www.InGratia.org

(31)
Vicki Samuels Levy,
March 23, 2003 12:00 AM

I, too, cry. I, too, have hope.

I was a guest at Leo Baeck on Feb. 26. Part of our Jewish Federation mission from Houston, Texas (119 total) enjoyed lunch and a tour. We met students and educators and were buoyed by the optimism and commitment of these fine young people.

May they grow from strength to strength in a nation of pluralism and peace.

(30)
Anonymous,
March 20, 2003 12:00 AM

it was very touching

when my hebrew school teacher read this article to us i was in tears i had to visit the website to see if i could share my comment. i knew how this person felt. if is like you dotn realize how bad it is intill if effects you. before i read this article i never realized how this was effecting normal people. the girl was only 17 a couple of years older than me. then i realized that this could have been one of my friends on the bus instead of his friend. it made me realize that somthing needs to be done it just isnt fair that this is happening . if this article effects you as deeply as it did me tell people about it. share it with people. when we had a discussion in class i realized that i wasnt the only person who felt that way and it was somewhat comferting after reading that sad story. so please share

(29)
Cynthia Leffler,
March 18, 2003 12:00 AM

Excellant article,terror kills classmate, no sense at all

This article made me cry. Of course terror is senseless and cruel. This shows a very personal example of this. I am sharing it with my husband who teaches economics, government and world history in a high school with a large Arab student population. They generally show only animosity toward Jews, Israelis and Americans. My husband is a constant victim of their hateful rhetoric because they assume he is Jewish (he isn't although I am.) Such hatred! Totally not understandable in persons so young! I do not understand. Just as this writer doesn't understand. And his feelings of guilt, I think are also universal and not discussed. He sees it as guilt because he didn't know Liz well. I see it as guilt for NOT being the victim. Any victim, any terror victim, is too many. Such a sad testament to our time.

(28)
Tanya Wiechmann,
March 17, 2003 12:00 AM

Very touching... almost too brutal to continue reading butfor some reason I was compelled to read further. Senselessness and disrespect for life, what youth (what character) has the capability of calmly participating in such horror. Youths everywhere should be celebrating their lives, not inflicting trauma on others neither should any youth suffer the trauma of losing a a schoolfriend, family, relative or neighbour in such an unnatural and barbaric way.

(27)
Sarah,
March 16, 2003 12:00 AM

This one really brought the tears to my eyes -- which isn't so easy. Why don't the media outlets carry these cries from the heart? Why don't we hear this piece read on an NPR program, or see it printed as a NY Times Op Ed? When will the world learn how we are suffering??

(26)
Brenda,
March 15, 2003 12:00 AM

The short life of Liz made long-lasting impact.

After reading the story and some of the comments it occurred to me how much G-d used this life to reach into the hearts and lives of others. None of us realize how very important we are and how G-d desires to demonstrate that in us. He used Liz and then Vadim in very awesome ways. For that I am thankful and pray that I may also be so useful in my own time here.

(25)
Carl,
March 14, 2003 12:00 AM

Fearing for my friends.

I am 18 years old and live in Sydney Australia. Early this year i was fortunate enough to go to Israel on a program called birthright with bnei akiva, also joined by a few other youth movements. The group that went before me went for a 16 day tour and then returned home. My tour was for 9 days and i was the only one who returned home because i had to resume studies of my own back home. Everyone else stayed in Israel, various parts, studying in different yeshivot or linking on to various other year long programs. I am very worried about my friends. I think about them every day. After reading the story above, i understand that my fears are real,and that i'm not going crazy. Please G-d may they, and everyone else in Israel remain healthy, safe and free from sadness caused by the cruelty others inflict upon them.

(24)
Steven,
March 14, 2003 12:00 AM

Is it ever going to end ?!

First there was no state of Israel and Jews all over the world were discriminated, tortured and killed. Now there is a country we can call Israel but all the pain and suffering moved to Israel. Jews in diaspora have no idea how well off they are. It is up to those Jews to improve life of those in need and they are in GREAT need. Talk and articles in papers can do only so much. When was the last time any of us at least mailed some burgers or pizas to IDF soldiers afterall, they are the ones putting their lifes on the line and not only for the Jews in Israel but for us too. We are obligated to support our fellow Jews otherwise we are just a bunch with fake tears in our eyes. I dare all american Jews to skip a few trips to restaurant or to movies and show support instead. Forget the two weeks in Florida, send the money to Israel and feel good at heart. There are many christians who do just that.

(23)
Orlee,
March 13, 2003 12:00 AM

i will never forget this story in my whole life.

This really shows how much i'm sick of all the bombs on buses. and how so many people are already killed. this is great story to me about what is happening to Israel. thank you.

(22)
Zack Dvey-Aharon,
March 13, 2003 12:00 AM

A well written article !

Unfortunately, this is not the subject you wished writing about. Keep up the good work.

(21)
Darlene,
March 13, 2003 12:00 AM

When even the Angels cry

To mourn for some one never known but by her beauty that shined a light to those who were close enough to see her face to face. What better a way for us as a nation to feel the sorrow from such a demonic deed from another special soul who wrote the words from a cry for all to read about this wonderful star who now is in the midnight sky as an Angel truly who now shines her own bright light to a world lost in a war filled with pain and loss. For we also cry the cloud tears with anyone who has lost a loved one. Enough world tears to fill an ocean twice over oh when will we hear the Angels singing out in harmanies that war is finished and the time has come for all Man kind to face their own judgement for the evil deeds they have done. Soon I pray as all shall never be peaceful until the Angel Stars who have died shines their last light on those who put them there. And then the evil people who believe that they are doing good shall truly reap their own terrorist reward from a very mighty creator who speaks with fire and bears a flaming sword of brimstone to each wicked soul into eternal damnation forever with no cool ointment to even freshen their brow from eternal flames of pain. So stay strong as it won't be long for the Angels to sing a cry that war is finished forever.

(20)
Joseph K. Kamara,
March 12, 2003 12:00 AM

The world today must raise up and crush terrorism

Iam an Africa, far from Isreal but this storry has left my heart sore. Why are some civilised countries refusing to end terrorism once and for all. Why should people like sadam and arafat be allowed to continue inflicting more pain on the already painful people? If the UN is blind, the young generation like Liz's classmates will grow up anngry and try to find illigal ways of ending this injustice.The concerned citizens of mother earth had done enough talking, could the nation of Isreal proppose ways of how best those who hate terrorism could support it. I mean practicle ways because iam sick of talking. As for Vadim, the struggle continues, please don't give up making these stories real in our minds for those of us far from the action.

(19)
Helena in Sweden,
March 12, 2003 12:00 AM

Touching

This story really touched me in the deep of my heart! Thank you for writing this so other people outside Israel can get to know what´s really happening. I´m so sad, this is so cruel. I´m not jewish, I´m christian and I truly stand together with you. I´m going to Israel next month and I think it´s important we do that in theese days to show that we do not accept the terror and we do not let them freighten us.

(18)
Vadim Sirotnikov, Haifa, Israel,
March 12, 2003 12:00 AM

Thank you for the warm responses

I couldn't post earlier as I was tied up by school work. Life goes on, after all.

I would like to thank Aish.com for allowing me to share my feelings.

I think it's important to share our experiences and feelings with the rest of the world, and especially the diaspora Jews.

I tried to make this as interesting and as easy to read as I could, and I see I succeeded, even though this was trimmed a bit.

I thank you all for the kind words. I couldn't face visiting Liz's family for the Shiv'a, even though I know I could help.

There are many people who could describe Liz much better, and many people who may choose to keep their experience private.

I hope the understanding between Israel and the diaspora, and the rest of te world will continue and only grow greater.

Shalom Al Israel

(17)
Jen Chan,
March 12, 2003 12:00 AM

An impressive testimony

The testimony is so impressive that I prayed for you after reading it. It is so amazing that I pray for you all Isreali from the other part of the world - Hong Kong. You are not alone because God is with you always. He will clear away all your sadness.

(16)
Doug Burck,
March 11, 2003 12:00 AM

Thought provoking

Young man, the pen is more powerful than the sword. You aleady are a powerful warrior for your country. Thank you for doing something the liberal press here in America has failed on purpose to do. You put a face on the victim of terror. Out here on the west coast of America we are poorer for the loss of Liz. Vadim I hope you continue to write.

(15)
Jason Raphael,
March 11, 2003 12:00 AM

Unfortunately - Great Imagery

What an article. I work in New York, 2 blocks away from where Sept. 11th took place. However, I walk by the site daily, and I have no feelings. In Israel, it is really sad that you have to experience these atrocities all to often. You're a great writer, and your article evoked deep feelings within me. Hashem will take care of you.

(14)
Yehuda Burdman,
March 11, 2003 12:00 AM

It says the things I could'nt say: perspective.

It seems like everyone is dying around me:. People from the emergency squad; My neighbor killed in a car accident, on shabbat one of my rabbis, Rav Eli Horowitz, and today my friend's brother. Its aheavenly decree and we have to do teshuva, but its so hard.But maybe its harder not to. Anyway, the story made me feel better and gave me some perspective. Things could be worse.

(13)
Anonymous,
March 11, 2003 12:00 AM

Thank you for putting face behind the name

Vadim, Thank you for putting face behind the name. I cryed when I read your article. I hope that your next article will be about joy on the land of Israel.

(12)
betti miner,
March 11, 2003 12:00 AM

touching

I just want to say that your article was written in a way that I felt that I knew Liz. I too, am a writer and your story Vadim. was very moving. Thank you. May HaShem comfort Liz's family.

(11)
Anonymous,
March 11, 2003 12:00 AM

may tears bring rachamim

Tears mist over my eyes as I read this article. Vadim, you express the reality so clearly and bring me to feel that I am close by and not thousands of miles away. We mourn with you and your friends and for all klal yisrael. May all our tears bring rachamim from shamayim. It will not bring back Liz, but g-d willing will help staunch the flow of jewish blood, which IS precious.
Your pain is our pain.

(10)
Jim Hampton,
March 11, 2003 12:00 AM

So moving, so well written.

Somoving, so well written

(9)
Barbara,
March 11, 2003 12:00 AM

Exquisitely written

I felt at one with the writer, like I was inside his body, because his words joined my emotions with his. The intensity was overwhelming. Will this madness ever end?

(8)
patricia golubev,
March 11, 2003 12:00 AM

your grief is overwhelming

I am moved beyond words. I can't stop crying. Thank you for honouring this beautiful young woman's memory in such a way. The loss of such a young person, so full of dreams and potential, is monumental. How will her parents, her loved ones, ever go on? But go on they must. It may be true that you never really knew her, neither did I, yet she lives on through you, through your finely crafted words, through your grief-filled images. I, too, can feel the warmth of her smile and the recognition she gave by simply pronouning your first name. HOw many more victims must there be? Why must we as Jews continue to suffer? When will the rest of the world wake up to this?

(7)
Alan Marsa,
March 11, 2003 12:00 AM

This was all so predictable

Between 1985 & 1995 I spent every summer & the years '87-'89 either on kibbutz or with Volunteers For Israel.I knew at the time The "oslo" talks would lead to the #2 '67 war, & they have !!!!!!!

(6)
Dana,
March 11, 2003 12:00 AM

A note of sympathy.

I am sorry the Jews in Isreal have to live like this. I will pray for Liz's family. I live in California and the U.S. is now experiencing what it is like to live under a constant terrorist threat. It baffles me that many liberals in California are sympathetic towards Palestinians. Most don't do any of their own research and just regurgitate propaganda to each other, and simply choose to object anything the Republican President believes in. There are those of us who strongly support Isreal, and realize this "holy war" terrorist have declared means death to anyone who is not Muslim. We pray for the peace of Isreal. Thankyou for your article Vadim.

(5)
Anonymous,
March 10, 2003 12:00 AM

i was moved to tears

I just wanted to express my sadness over the contents of the article. The article was written incredibly well, and I felt like I too was standing observing Liz's eternal smile. Mayb Hashem quickly end all our pain and suffering. Thank you Vadim for a strong, well written, very heartfelt, article. You moved me to tears.

(4)
Rodrigo,
March 10, 2003 12:00 AM

May Liz's Memory Be For Blessing

Vadim, you made my eyes wet with your recount. You have excellent writing skills and I hope your next articles will only deal with joy and happy events. As for Liz, as well as all other terror victims, it is a tragey that lives are cut off like that. May HaShem soon bless us with the complete stop of terror and console mourners.

(3)
Anonymous,
March 10, 2003 12:00 AM

Thank you for letting us know about Liz. Even though I'm sitting here thousands of miles away in America, it's nice to hear the personality and story behind the name; no longer is it just a face. May there come a time very,very soon when we will have no more to write about these every day occurances....

(2)
Anonymous,
March 10, 2003 12:00 AM

Vadim, your story touched my heart and i am sure it touched the hearts of many more people and of course will continue to touch hearts of others. Last year in March I found an old baby sitter of mine was killed in a terror attack. When you find out these things they really hit home. I hope this article will continue to inspire. Thank You

(1)
Anonymous,
March 10, 2003 12:00 AM

Terrorism takes such a toll

When the bomb hit Hebrew U last summer, I was in the States, one year removed from my year in Israel. I was in a grocery store when I heard about my friend who died in the attack, and I fell on the floor crying. He was so young, so good, building a life for himself. Terrorism takes the physical, but it can never destroy the beauty that people have given us during the days of our lives.

I live in rural Montana where the Cholov Yisrael milk is difficult to obtain and very expensive. So I drink regular milk. What is your view on this?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Jewish law requires that there be rabbinic supervision during the milking process to ensure that the milk comes from a kosher animal. In the United States, many people rely on the Department of Agriculture's regulations and controls as sufficiently stringent to fulfill the rabbinic requirement for supervision.

Most of the major Kashrut organizations in the United States rely on this as well. You will therefore find many kosher products in America certified with a 'D' next to the kosher symbol. Such products – unless otherwise specified on the label – are not Cholov Yisrael and are assumed kosher based on the DOA's guarantee.

There are many, however, do not rely on this, and will eat only dairy products that are designated as Cholov Yisrael (literally, "Jewish milk"). This is particularly true in large Jewish communities, where Cholov Yisrael is widely available.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein wrote that under limited conditions, such as an institution which consumes a lot of milk and Cholov Yisrael is generally unavailable or especially expensive, American milk is acceptable, as the government supervision is adequate to prevent non-kosher ingredients from being added.

It should be added that the above only applies to milk itself, which is marketed as pure cow's milk. All other dairy products, such as cheeses and butter, may contain non-kosher ingredients and always require kosher certification. In addition, Rabbi Feinstein's ruling applies only in the United States, where government regulations are considered reliable. In other parts of the world, including Europe, Cholov Yisrael is a requirement.

There are additional esoteric reasons for being stringent regarding Cholov Yisrael, and because of this it is generally advisable to consume only Cholov Yisroel dairy foods.

In 1889, 800 Jews arrived in Buenos Aires, marking the birth of the modern Jewish community in Argentina. These immigrants were fleeing poverty and pogroms in Russia, and moved to Argentina because of its open door policy of immigration. By 1920, more than 150,000 Jews were living in Argentina. Juan Peron's rise to power in 1946 was an ominous sign, as he was a Nazi sympathizer with fascist leanings. Peron halted Jewish immigration to Argentina, introduced mandatory Catholic religious instruction in public schools, and allowed Argentina to become a haven for fleeing Nazis. (In 1960, Israeli agents abducted Adolf Eichmann from a Buenos Aires suburb.) Today, Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin America with 250,000, though terror attacks have prompted many young people to emigrate. In 1992, the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 32 people. In 1994, the Jewish community headquarters in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 85 people. The perpetrators have never been apprehended.

Be aware of what situations and behaviors give you pleasure. When you feel excessively sad and cannot change your attitude, make a conscious effort to take some action that might alleviate your sadness.

If you anticipate feeling sad, prepare a list of things that might make you feel better. It could be talking to a specific enthusiastic individual, running, taking a walk in a quiet area, looking at pictures of family, listening to music, or reading inspiring words.

While our attitude is a major factor in sadness, lack of positive external situations and events play an important role in how we feel.

[If a criminal has been executed by hanging] his body may not remain suspended overnight ... because it is an insult to God (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Rashi explains that since man was created in the image of God, anything that disparages man is disparaging God as well.

Chilul Hashem, bringing disgrace to the Divine Name, is one of the greatest sins in the Torah. The opposite of chilul Hashem is kiddush Hashem, sanctifying the Divine Name. While this topic has several dimensions to it, there is a living kiddush Hashem which occurs when a Jew behaves in a manner that merits the respect and admiration of other people, who thereby respect the Torah of Israel.

What is chilul Hashem? One Talmudic author stated, "It is when I buy meat from the butcher and delay paying him" (Yoma 86a). To cause someone to say that a Torah scholar is anything less than scrupulous in meeting his obligations is to cause people to lose respect for the Torah.

Suppose someone offers us a business deal of questionable legality. Is the personal gain worth the possible dishonor that we bring not only upon ourselves, but on our nation? If our personal reputation is ours to handle in whatever way we please, shouldn't we handle the reputation of our nation and the God we represent with maximum care?

Jews have given so much, even their lives, for kiddush Hashem. Can we not forego a few dollars to avoid chilul Hashem?

Today I shall...

be scrupulous in all my transactions and relationships to avoid the possibility of bringing dishonor to my God and people.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...